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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks - Fall Off The Bone Crockpot Recipe

This slow cooker recipe transforms chicken drumsticks into incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection with minimal effort. The set-and-forget method delivers saucy, flavorful barbecue chicken that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and arrange them in your slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks, making sure each piece is well coated. Add the chicken broth or water to the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it easily pulls away from the bone.
  5. For a thicker sauce, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and whisk into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened, then pour over the chicken.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite sides. For extra caramelization, you can broil the sauced drumsticks for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd slow cooker - arrange in single layer for even cooking. Sauce can be prepared 2 days in advance. For thicker sauce, use cornstarch slurry or remove lid last 30 minutes. Leftover chicken great for sandwiches, tacos, or pasta dishes.